Chi mangia bene, vive bene Who eats well, lives well
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Fresh Fruit Tart Recipe
(Makes 1 (9-inch) tart that serves 8
This fruit tart recipe consists of a crisp, buttery tart shell filled with a creamy, smooth lemon-flavored
custard and topped with slices of fresh strawberries and kiwi, and some blueberries. You may
substitute almost any seasonal fruit that you prefer. Slices of peaches or mango would be nice or a
mixture of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries would also work. You can also change the
flavor of the custard by leaving out the lemon juice and zest and adding a tablespoon of vanilla or
almond extract or a flavored liqueur.
* See Note below for making Fruit Tart ahead of time.
Tart Crust:
1-1/4 cups flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 ounces cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2inch cubes
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon cream or half-and-half
Custard Filling:
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 cups half and half **
4 egg yolks
3 tablespoons butter
Juice and grated zest of 1 lemon
Fruit Topping:
2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
6 to 8 strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup blueberries
3/4 cup apricot preserves
** Half-and-half is a dairy product that may not be available in your area.
You can combine 1 cup heavy cream with 1 cup whole milk to create a similar product.
To make the crust:
Put the flour, sugar, and salt into a food processor bowl.
Pulse to blend the ingredients.
Add the butter cubes and pulse until incorporated into the flour.
Add the yolk and cream.
Pulse a few more times until the mixture starts to come together.
Remove the dough and shape into a disk.
Place the dough into a 9 to 9-1/2-inch round tart pan with a removable bottom.
Press the dough evenly on the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
Pierce the dough all over with a fork.
Refrigerate the tart shell for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Bake the tart crust for 20 to 22 minutes.
Press down any bubbles that form in the crust during baking.
Transfer the tart pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, remove the sides of the tart pan.
To make the filling:
Combine the sugar and cornstarch in a medium saucepan.
In a bowl, whisk together the half and half and egg yolks.
Gradually whisk the egg mixture into the sugar mixture.
Place the saucepan over medium heat.
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
Boil for 1 minute and remove from the heat.
Stir in the butter until melted and incorporated.
Stir in the lemon juice and zest.
Pour the custard into a bowl.
Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the filling.
Let stand at least 30 minutes.
Spoon the custard into the prepared crust.
Smooth the top even with the edge of the crust.
Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes or until set.
To make the fruit topping:
Arrange the sliced fruit and berries on the surface of the cooled filling.
Place the preserves in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Melt the preserves until syrupy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Strain the preserves to remove any large chucks, reserving the syrup only.
Gently brush the apricot syrup over each piece of fruit on the tart.
Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.
To make the Fruit Tart one day before serving:
The crust and filling for the fruit tart may be made up to 1 day before serving.
Keep the crust covered at room temperature and the filling refrigerated in a bowl.
To retain the crispness of the crust, add the filling no more than 4 to 5 hours before serving.
If the filling has become very thick after being refrigerated, simply stir it a few times to soften it.
Add the fruit topping and apricot glaze and refrigerate until serving time.
Lift your cake onto serving trays and platters in one whole piece. The stainless steel, 10" diameter server is great for assembling multi-layer cakes or getting your cheesecake off the springform base. Can also be used to lift and serve pizza.
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